Navigating love, loss, and mental health through faith, determination, and strength with Nicole Peterson

Nicole grew up in a loving family in Cape Town, South Africa before moving to Australia with her parents and siblings at the end of high school. 

Nicole met her husband Chris in her early twenties, married young, and together navigated early adventures including running a café and art gallery in Hawk’s Nest. After starting her family, she devoted herself to raising two children. She found joy and perspective in daily life through creativity, coastal walks, and her Christian faith.

Nicole’s background as a graphic artist influenced her love for creative expression, while her home life was always focused on strong family ties and nurturing her children’s unique personalities.

Nicole’s life as a Sydney mum whose life has been divided into two distinct parts: “before”, when suicide was an unfathomable tragedy that affected other families; and “after”, when the reality and possibility of suicide arrived as an unwelcome guest; one that was unable to be evicted, and who eventually took up permanent residence. 

After her daughter’s miraculous survival from her first suicide attempt at the tender age of thirteen, Nicole’s world turned upside down and inside out. From caring for a critically injured child back to physical health; navigating the quagmire of our mental health, education and justice systems for a child in subsequent suicidal distress; to ultimately being bereaved by suicide.

Nicole’s perspectives, prejudices and priorities from the life “before” have been challenged. With a strong faith in God; the blessings of a wonderful husband and son; a supportive and loving network of family, friends & church community; plus an incredibly adorable Pomeranian; Nicole is trying to navigate life without her precious Emma, who is forever sixteen.

She shares her story to offer perspective and compassion, encouraging kindness, gratitude, and understanding in others’ struggles.

Social Media

www.youtube.com/@missing-emma

https://youtu.be/xEBEKsIUR_4

www.facebook.com/EmmasMemorial

https://www.instagram.com/fizzgig_the_pom

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie